A KwaZulu-Natal resident has claimed a R128.5 million PowerBall jackpot from the October 22, 2024, draw, according to national lottery operator ITHUBA. The winner, who purchased a R30 ticket at a Boxer store in KwaZulu-Natal, became the first person to win a jackpot via the retailer’s platform, marking a significant milestone for the operator’s digital and retail expansion.
How the winner secured the R128.5 million prize
The winning ticket was purchased at a Boxer outlet, which has served as a primary point of sale for lottery participants across South Africa. According to ITHUBA, the player selected their numbers manually for the October 22 draw. The total prize amount of R128,545,061.30 was confirmed following the verification of the winning numbers: 05, 12, 17, 24, 31, and the PowerBall 03.
ITHUBA CEO Charmaine Mabuza stated that the win highlights the accessibility of the national lottery, noting that the company continues to see high engagement through its retail partnerships. The winner has since come forward to claim the prize and has received financial advice and trauma counseling, a standard procedure provided by the operator for winners of significant jackpots.
Why this win is a milestone for retail lottery sales
This jackpot is notable because it represents the first time a PowerBall winner has utilized a Boxer store to secure such a high-value prize. While retail chains are common sites for lottery ticket sales, the scale of this payout underscores the volume of traffic directed through these specific provincial hubs.
According to official data from the National Lottery Commission, the distribution of jackpot wins varies significantly by province, with KwaZulu-Natal frequently ranking among the top regions for lottery participation. The R128.5 million payout ranks among the substantial wins recorded for the 2024 calendar year, though it remains below the record-breaking figures seen in previous years, such as the R232 million won in 2019.
What happens after a major lottery win?
When a player wins a jackpot of this magnitude, the process is strictly regulated to ensure security and financial stability for the recipient.
* Verification: The ticket is verified against the central lottery database to prevent fraud.
* Financial Guidance: ITHUBA mandates that winners of large sums meet with financial advisors to manage the sudden influx of capital.
* Anonymity: Winners are given the choice to remain anonymous to ensure their personal safety.
* Payout: Funds are transferred via electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly into the winner’s bank account, typically within 72 hours of the claim being processed.
The winner has not disclosed their identity to the public, opting to maintain privacy following the life-changing windfall. ITHUBA continues to encourage all participants to check their tickets at authorized retailers or via the official lottery mobile application.